Washington Notebook: Commerce secretary takes medical leave

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Bryson U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson is taking a medical leave of absence after Obama administration officials on Monday said he suffered a seizure while driving Saturday in California and slamming into two cars. Bryson was charged with felony hit-and-run for one accident in Los Angeles County. A few minutes later he hit a second car and was found unconscious behind the wheel. He was treated at a local hospital and released Sunday. Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank has taken over as acting secretary, according to a Commerce Department statement issued Monday night. She previously served in that capacity when former secretary Gary Locke left to become ambassador to China. Bryson said he will remain ...